NCJ Number
116715
Journal
American Sociological Review Volume: 53 Dated: (April 1988) Pages: 294-302
Date Published
1988
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Sentences are analyzed for a sample of white-collar offenders adjudicated in one Federal court between 1970 and 1980.
Abstract
This is a modified version of the white-collar sentencing model developed by Wheeler, Weisburd, and Bode (1982). Contrary to Wheeler et al., it was found that socioeconomic status was not related to sanction severity. Higher-status offenders were no more likely to be incarcerated than low status offenders and no more likely to receive longer sentences. The relationship between socioeconomic status and sentence severity after the 1974 Watergate scandal is explored. It is concluded that contextual variations in criminal sentencing extend to both social status and race. References. (Author abstract modified)